Motor vehicle body with an adapter carrier for a roof module, accompanying adapter carrier, as well as a method for its manufacture

ABSTRACT

A motor vehicle body is proposed with a roof-carrying frame, upon which an adaptor carrier is placed and secured for holding roof windows, sliding roofs, roof opening systems and/or roof module variants, and an adapter carrier suitable for installation in a motor vehicle body according to the invention. A corresponding method of manufacturing is also proposed for a motor vehicle body with a roof-carrying frame.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. National-Stage entry under 35 U.S.C. §371based on International Application No. PCT/EP2006/008326, filed Aug. 25,2006, which was published under PCT Article 21(2) and which claimspriority to German Application No. DE 10 2005 044 283.8, filed Sep. 16,2005.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle body and moreparticularly to a motor vehicle body with a roof-carrying frame. Theinvention further relates to a method of manufacturing the motor vehiclebody with a roof-carrying frame.

BACKGROUND

Known from practice are motor vehicles equipped with a sliding roof, asunroof, a lifting roof, a sun/sliding roof or some other roof openingsystem and/or a roof module variant (in short: roof module). Thesevehicles differ from conventional standard vehicles in the simple,closed, metal standard roof skin present there. These vehicles withopening roofs share in common that they are manufactured by opening theconventional, closed roof skin and inserting the respectively desiredroof module from an already preassembled vehicle, e.g., as discussed inDE 88 16 505 U1. The motor vehicle sliding roof discussed thereinexhibits two frames, specifically a welded-in frame and a screwed-inframe. The sliding roof is here secured in the second frame, thescrewed-in frame, which is in turn screwed in the central area of thewelded-in frame. The first frame, meaning the welded-in frame, whichhence incorporates the screwed-in frame including roof module, is weldedwith the remaining roof skin in a roof opening specially generated forthis purpose in the already present roof skin.

However, this mode of installing and attaching the respective roofmodule to the motor vehicle known in practice has disadvantages whencontrasted with contemporary manufacturing aspects of today.

One of the disadvantages lies in the fact that a roof moduleincorporated after the fact, so to say, as is commonly the case in priorart, diminishes the headroom for the driver and his passengers bycomparison to the same vehicle type with conventional, closed vehicleroof owing to the roof module opening- and attachment devicessimultaneously required with the module, and associated spacerequirements.

Another disadvantage is that special and in part expensive andspace-consuming structural measures must be taken to seal the roofmodule relative to the vehicle skin to prevent water, such as rainwateror splashed water, from penetrating inside the vehicle, which isundesired and must absolutely be avoided. However, these measures andtheir special space requirement can be attributed to a large extent tothe fact that incorporating the roof opening system/variant at a laterpoint, meaning after conclusion of final vehicle assembly, constitutes astructural measure taken after the fact, which is performed on thealready finished motor vehicle, so that the roof opening system to beinstalled must be tailored to the specifically encountered structuralboundary conditions, with the corresponding outlay.

Another disadvantage to the above-described procedure of subsequentlyincorporating a roof module in an initially closed, conventional motorvehicle roof lies in the fact that the conventional motor vehicle roofskin that was just opened to insert a roof module generally does not inand of itself exhibit the stability necessary to safely carry theadditional weight of the incorporated roof module, complete with allopening, sealing and attachment devices required here.

Rather, the conventional sheet roof loses the required stiffness thathad previously been intact, in particular against deformation, as theresult of the conversion and installation measures. To remedy thisdisadvantage, an additional brace for the roof module is oftenincorporated, again after the fact, which serves to directly orindirectly support the roof module, e.g., on a vehicle column pair.However, this additional bracing is also cost and labor intensive.

It generally holds true with respect to subsequently installed, attachedor modified motor vehicle components, and hence also to the roof moduleincorporated after the fact in the manner discussed above that thesubsequent installation is associated with comparatively highadjustment, alteration, manufacturing, labor and time costs, which inthe end is viewed as disadvantageous.

As a consequence, the object of the present invention is to avoid thedisadvantages of prior art discussed above and propose a motor vehiclebody that is characterized by a higher level of design freedom withrespect to the roof configuration, and in particular can already beequipped with roof windows, sliding roofs, roof opening systems and/orroof module variants (in short: roof module) cost effectively andwithout any major additional effort. Another aspect of the invention isto propose an adapter carrier suitable for this purpose. Further, acorresponding manufacturing process is to be specified. In addition,other objects, aspects, desirable features and characteristics willbecome apparent from the subsequent detailed description and appendedclaims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, foregoingbackground, and subsequent summary.

SUMMARY

This object, and other objects, desirable features, and aspects, isachieved by the motor vehicle body, as well as by an adapter carrier fora motor vehicle body. The object, and other objects, desirable features,and aspects, according to the invention is further achieved by themethod of manufacturing a motor vehicle body with an adapter carriercomprising the step of joining a motor vehicle body exhibiting at leasttwo A, B and C columns secured to a roof-carrying frame by means of twostructural components extending in the longitudinal direction and twostructural components extending in the transverse direction of the motorvehicle with an adapter carrier.

Consequently, a motor vehicle body with at least two pairs of columns(e.g., two A, B and C columns each) are provided, which areinterconnected to form a roof-carrying frame by two structuralcomponents extending in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicleas well as two structural components extending in the transversedirection of the motor vehicle, wherein an adapter carrier is placed onthe roof-carrying frame and secured thereto. The adapter carrier is usedto accommodate roof windows, sliding roofs, roof opening systems and/orroof module variants (in short: roof module).

The motor vehicle body according to an embodiment of the invention isadvantageously characterized by the availability of an adapter carrierfor roof windows, sliding roofs, roof opening systems and/or roof modulevariants of sufficient stability for accommodating at least one of theaforementioned modules. As a result, there already exists a device foraccommodating a roof module on the motor vehicle body that is factorydeveloped, planned, structurally configured for the special applicationand provided for this purpose, correspondingly laid out and structurallydesigned. Depending on the respective vehicle type, the latter canalready be subjected to detailed calculations and optimized in advanceto reflect the respectively expected structural and mechanical boundaryconditions.

This advantageously means that the structural design and configurationof the adapter carrier of the motor vehicle body allows it toaccommodate even a heavy roof module, for example a glass pane roof,with sufficient stability, and support it against the motor vehicle bodyby way or means of the roof-carrying frame to which the adapter carrieris secured. This type of support for the roof module accommodated in theadapter carrier as already taken into account and prepared at thefactory during the planning phase permits a support that takes upsignificantly less overall height by comparison with the method knownfrom prior art, which advantageously yields greater headroom for thedriver and his passengers.

Another advantage to the already factory-configured motor vehicle bodywith an adapter carrier is that the devices for sealing the vehicleinterior to prevent wetness, dirt or the like from penetrating at theedge of the roof module can be made more target oriented, problemoriented, and cost effectively, at lower production costs and a reducedtime outlay than is the case in the conventional procedure.

In addition, the roof modules used in the adapter carrier of the motorvehicle body are exposed to less stringent mechanical requirements. Thisstems from the fact that a roof module incorporated in the adaptercarrier is subject to less oscillations and deformational or torsionalforces while driving the motor vehicle, since its stable attachment tothe adapter carrier, which is in turn stably secured to theroof-carrying motor vehicle frame, is exposed to less severeoscillations and deformations than the conventionally attached roofmodule.

This in turn advantageously results in the roof modules accommodated inthe adapter carrier can be integrated into the motor vehicle body insuch a way as to further save on overhead clearance, wherein theattachment at the edges can simultaneously be made significantly morenarrow and/or space-saving in design, which in the end results in theadvantage of taking up considerably less space that might be used forother purposes, and increasing the interior volume of the passengercompartment with respect to the heads of the driver and/or passengers.

The adapter carrier becomes especially easy to mount to the motorvehicle body if the adapter carrier is secured to a bearing flange ofthe structural components.

The motor vehicle body exhibits a particularly high level of stabilityif the structural components and adapter carrier together border ahollow chamber.

The motor vehicle body exhibits a particularly high level of stabilityif the adapter carrier connects several identical columns to each other.

At least one object of the invention is also achieved by means of anadapter carrier suitable for installation in a motor vehicle body asdescribed above. This adapter carrier is a supporting structure which,when used in the manner described above in a motor vehicle body, makesit possible to synergistically achieve all of the aforementionedadvantages in full measure.

In a preferred embodiment, the adapter carrier is essentially designedas a frame structure.

Designing the adapter carrier as a frame structure is advantageous inthat the frame structure of the adapter carrier gives it an elevatedstability and improved stiffness by comparison to an assembled adaptercarrier, thereby improving the attachment of the roof module in the roofcarrier and/or the vehicle on the one hand, and the safety of the motorvehicle itself in its roof area on the other. In addition, an adaptercarrier designed as a frame structure can be used to additionallyincrease the stiffness of the passenger cabin, and hence improve safetyfor the passengers.

In another preferred embodiment, the adapter carrier can advantageouslybe designed as a single section, enabling its manufacture in acomparatively simple, and hence cost effective manner. Further, thisembodiment further reduces the number of required components to theminimum required number, thereby reducing the necessary storage,manufacturing and cost outlay. Another advantage to this preferredembodiment is that the omission of potential connections and theattachment means between individual frame sections required for thispurpose enables an especially simple, tailor-made, precisely dimensionedand cost-effective production.

The tolerance of the adapter carrier relative to the structuralcomponents of the motor vehicle body can be easily balanced in anadvantageous further development of the invention if exhibits severaledge plates, and if the edge plates exhibit flanges for attachment tothe bearing flange. This additionally minimizes scrap during theproduction of the adapter carrier, since fitting together the edgeplates generates an opening in the adapter carrier. In addition, theadvantage to fitting together the adapter carrier using individual edgeplates is that the adapter carrier is especially easy to handle duringassembly. In comparison to the one-piece adapter carrier, the edgeplates also exhibit a high stability against surface distortion, and areeasy to transport. Therefore, the adapter carrier exhibiting the edgeplates is especially inexpensive to manufacture, and easy to transportand assemble.

In another advantageous further embodiment, it helps to further simplifythe adapter carrier if the edge plates exhibit a straight, longstretched-out shape, and are each joined with one of the structuralcomponents.

Elbows and the like for generating the adapter carrier can be avoided inanother advantageous further development of the invention by arrangingthe edge plates in a frame relative to each other. For example, thismakes it possible to put together the adapter carrier provided foraccommodating the roof window out of four straight edge plates.

In another preferred embodiment, the adapter carrier is secured to themotor vehicle by means of welding, bonding or pressure joining.

This embodiment is characterized by the method of joining the roofmodule to be used in the adapter carrier, which is especially simple andassociated with little production outlay. In other words, there is nospecial outlay during vehicle assembly for automating the process ofincorporating the adapter carrier in the roof-carrying frame of themotor vehicle, followed by an also automated process of welding orbonding the adapter carrier with the roof-carrying frame. Anotheradvantage to joining the adapter carrier with the motor vehicle has todo with the fact that the adapter carrier can be comparatively easilyremoved at a later point, for example after damage to the vehicle roofor the like.

Welding can further be performed by means of an automatic weldingmachine on a production line. This advantageously makes it possible tointegrate the necessary steps in the ongoing production process, whilerealizing a corresponding savings potential.

In addition, welding the adapter carrier to the motor vehicle isassociated with all advantages known to the expert from using welding asa joining process, for example temperature expansion of the weld seamsrelative to the thermal behavior of the welded components and watertightness. However, the embodiments of the invention are not limited tothe welded joint discussed above. The adapter carrier can also be bondedto the body, and any other process preferred by the expert is alsopossible.

Another preferred embodiment of the adapter carrier is characterized inthat it exhibits attachment devices for roof windows, sliding roofs,lifting roofs, roof opening systems and/or roof module variants (inshort: roof module), which are designed in such a way that therespective roof module incorporated in the adapter carrier can beswitched for another roof module.

One advantage to this embodiment is that the purchaser of a motorvehicle need not determine what kind of roof design he would like tohave for his motor vehicle for the next several years while he is buyinghis motor vehicle. Hence, this embodiment advantageously makes itpossible to change out a selected roof module for another one withoutany special outlay. The resultant, previously unknown flexibility makesit possible to foster loyalty among existing customers and attract newcustomers more easily.

To this end, for example, screwed connections, lever mechanisms oradhesive bonds can be used between the adapter carrier and roof module,which enable replacement without any special assembly or handlingoutlay.

Therefore, the owner of a motor vehicle equipped with an adapter carriercan replace a simple sunroof with a larger, wide-opening roof openingsystem, for example, after moving to a sunnier and/or warmer location.Further, suitable, readily detachable attachment means for the roofmodule in the adapter carrier can be used to seasonally change out roofmodules. In this conjunction, for example, it is conceivable to use theopen roof module in the summer, and the larger light roof or sunroofprovided with a defroster in the winter.

The ability to change out the roof module in the adapter carrier in thepresent embodiment is also advantageous in cases where a damaged roofmodule is to be more quickly replaced with a new module at a lower costinstead of instituting more expensive repairs.

In another preferred embodiment, the central, open top area of theadapter carrier can be sealed by incorporating and properly securing asheet metal roof.

As already discussed while addressing the interchangeability ofindividual roof modules, this embodiment also offers the advantage, forexample, when purchasing a motor vehicle, to make do with a lessexpensive, conventional sheet metal roof incorporated in the adaptercarrier provided on the motor vehicle, and later on upgrade the motorvehicle by replacing the simple sheet metal roof secured in the adaptercarrier with a more expensive roof module.

Another advantage to being able to seal the adapter carrier in thisembodiment by means of a sheet metal roof is that no decision needs tomade during the manufacture of a vehicle type as to whether a motorvehicle body should be prepared for connection to an adapter carrier orjust a simple sheet metal roof during the production process. Theability to optionally seal a motor vehicle body already equipped with anadapter carrier by means of a sheet metal roof in its roof area withoutany additional outlay or equip it with a roof module advantageouslymakes it possible to reduce the plurality of parts during themanufacture of the motor vehicle and its individual vehicle types(regardless of whether provided for a roof module or not), as well as touse a lower number of tools.

At least one object is further achieved by a method for manufacturing amotor vehicle body, which encompasses the step of joining a motorvehicle body with an adapter carrier according to the invention.

The adapter carrier can help stiffen the motor vehicle body in that anedge plate connects two parallel columns, when one of the edge plates tobe arranged transverse to the longitudinal direction of the motorvehicle is initially connected with the respective structural component,after which the edge plates facing in the longitudinal direction of themotor vehicle are secured to the structural components facing in thelongitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, and with an overlap on theedge sheet arranged transverse to the longitudinal direction of themotor vehicle. As a result, the edge plate situated transverse to thelongitudinal direction of the motor vehicle is in direct contact withthe motor vehicle body.

To further increase the stability of the motor vehicle body, it helps tooverlap a second edge plate to be arranged transverse to thelongitudinal direction of the motor vehicle and in the connectionbetween opposing columns with the structural components facing in thelongitudinal direction of the motor vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction withthe following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote likeelements, and

FIG. 1 a simplified schematic view of a conventional sheet metal roofwith a roof opening for accommodating a conventional roof module,perspective top view;

FIG. 2 an adapter carrier according to the invention in a schematicallysimplified, perspective top view;

FIG. 3 a schematically simplified, perspective top view of the adaptercarrier according to the invention as it is being attached to a motorvehicle body;

FIG. 4 a a section through the adapter carrier according to theinvention after installed along the I-I line shown on FIG. 2, inschematically simplified form;

FIG. 4 b a section through the conventional motor vehicle roof along theintersecting line Ib-Ib shown on FIG. 1, again in schematicallysimplified form;

FIG. 5 a a section through the adapter carrier according to theinvention after installed along the line II-II shown on FIG. 2, again inschematically simplified form;

FIG. 5 b a section through the conventional motor vehicle roof along theIIb-IIb line shown on FIG. 1, again in schematically simplified form;

FIG. 6 a a section through the adapter carrier according to theinvention after installed along the III-III line shown on FIG. 2, inschematically simplified form; and

FIG. 6 b a section through the conventional motor vehicle roof along theIIIb-IIIb line shown on FIG. 1, in schematically simplified form;

FIG. 7 another embodiment of the motor vehicle body with an adaptercarrier composed of edge plates;

FIG. 8 a sectional view through the motor vehicle body along theVIII-VIII line from FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 a sectional view through the motor vehicle body along the IX-IXline from FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 a sectional view through the motor vehicle body along the X-Xline from FIG. 7; and

FIG. 11 a highly magnified view of an overlapping area of two edgeplates of the adapter carrier from FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and isnot intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of theinvention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theorypresented in the preceding background or the following detaileddescription.

A conventional motor vehicle roof 1 shown on FIG. 1 exhibits a roof skin3 and an opening 5 for a roof module. The longitudinal direction of themotor vehicle for the accompanying motor vehicle (the latter not shownin any greater detail) is labeled X. Three sections Ib-Ib, IIb-IIb andIIIb-IIIb on FIG. 1 are denoted by intersecting lines, wherein thearrows shown on the lines indicate the viewing direction on therespective sectional plane. The marked sections will be extensivelydiscussed below in the following figures.

The motor vehicle roof 1 shown on FIG. 1 is in a state where the roofskin 3 already has a corresponding opening 5 for a roof module, but noroof module has yet been attached in the latter. As readily visible fromFIG. 1, the roof skin 3 is a thin, conventional motor vehicle roofsheet, which in the exemplary embodiment depicted here is not reinforcedin its central region by any additional supporting or roof structuralelements.

The reference numbers on FIG. 2 already used on FIG. 1 denote theidentical and/or identically acting components also marked with the samereference numbers on FIG. 1. In addition to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, this alsoapplies to the other figures; once specified, a reference number denotesthe same respective component in all figures of this drawing.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of an adapter carrier 7 accordingto the invention with an opening 9 for a roof module in the centralregion of the adapter carrier 7. The adapter carrier 7 in the presentembodiment is designed as a single frame element, which can be fitprecisely onto a roof carrying frame structure (not shown in any greaterdetail here) of the corresponding motor vehicle (also not shown in anygreater detail) so as to be welded with the latter.

Comparable to the procedure known from FIG. 1 above, FIG. 2 has threesections I-I, II-II and III-III with the viewing direction on thesectional plane respectively denoted by arrows; the sections will beexplained in detail below in the following figures.

FIG. 3 schematically depicts the upper body section of a motor vehicle11 at the moment an adapter carrier 7 is assembled and/or joined to aroof-carrying frame 13 readily visible on FIG. 3. The arrow M denotesthat the adapter carrier 7 is placed on the roof-carrying frame 13 fromthe top down. After precisely fitting the adapter carrier 7, it can bewelded with the roof-carrying frame 13, for example.

FIG. 4 a provides a schematically simplified view of the sectional planeof the section denoted along line I-I on FIG. 2 according to the arrowsshown on FIG. 2. To better understand the depiction on FIG. 4 a, it isrecommended that FIG. 4 b be consulted while examining FIG. 4 a. FIG. 4a shows a section through the adapter carrier 7 according to theinvention in the front area of the motor vehicle roof, a frontprotection disk 15, a cladding element 17, a roof structural element 19as well as a glass roof or pane 21 inserted in the adapter carrier 7,along with bonding compounds 23, with which the glass roof 21 is bondedwith the adapter carrier 7 or the adapter carrier 7 and/or the roofstructural element 19 is bonded with the front protection disk 15.

By contrast, FIG. 4 b depicts the conventional design of a motor vehiclewith the roof skin 3 and without adapter carrier. As readily visiblefrom a comparison between FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, the adapter carrier 7 onFIG. 4 a is a one-piece adapter carrier 7 in this embodiment, based onthe section shown on FIG. 4 a.

FIG. 5 a shows the schematically simplified sectional plane II-II fromFIG. 2, while FIG. 5 b shows the simplified sectional plane along thesection IIb-IIb from FIG. 1. As was the case previously on FIGS. 4 a and4 b, comparing FIG. 5 a with FIG. 5 b makes it easier to determine thedesign of the adapter carrier 7.

FIGS. 5 a and 5 b provide a view of a roof railing 25, a lateral vehicleskin 27 and a side window 29 in first section, which are not alreadyknown form the figures discussed above. FIG. 5 b shows very clearly thatan also depicted roof opening module 31 is supported against the roofskin 3; also visible is the significant installation depth required forthe roof opening module 31, and the associated limitation on headroomfor the driver and passengers.

By contrast, FIG. 5 a shows a roof window 33, which is stable and notsupported against the roof skin 3 (not shown on FIG. 5 a and also notcut in the present section of the depicted embodiment), but ratheragainst the more stable adapter carrier 7, which in turn is abuttedagainst a lateral roof structural element 35 of the motor vehicle. Theroof window 33 is in turn secured to the adapter carrier 7 by means ofan adhesive compound 23 on FIG. 5 a, in addition to which an alternativeoption for attaching the roof window 33 to the adapter carrier 7 via ascrewed connection 37 is depicted in the embodiment shown.

FIG. 6 a provides a schematically simplified view of sectional planeIII-III from FIG. 2, while FIG. 6 b provides a simplified view of thesectional plane along section IIIb-IIIb from FIG. 1. As was already thecase for FIGS. 4 a and 4 b as well as FIGS. 5 a and 5 b, comparing FIG.6 a with FIG. 6 b makes is possible to more easily recognize the designof the adapter carrier 7.

FIGS. 6 a and 6 b in turn each depict a rear roof structural element 39along with two cladding elements 41, 43. Further, both the conventionaldesign on FIG. 6 b and the embodiment according to the invention on FIG.6 a show a motor vehicle connection area 45 with the same structuraldesign in both FIGS. 6 a and 6 b.

As can be readily seen especially on FIGS. 4 a, 4 b, 5 a, 5 b, 6 a and 6b, and especially in a summary examination of respective FIG. 4 a, 4 bor 5 a, 5 b and 6 a, 6 b, an adapter carrier can be installed in anadapter carrier according to the invention in a conventional body withnearly no outlay required for this purpose. The embodiment depicted onthe figures requires no special adjustment of the motor vehicle body foraccommodating the adapter carrier. Only the roof skin supports shown insections Ib-Ib and IIIb-IIIb should be shortened or cut accordingly, sothat an adapter carrier according to the invention can be incorporatedinto the body as optimally as possible. However, this cutting orshortening process can be automated without any significant outlay. Inaddition, a simple structural redesign of the body makes it possible toomit even this step entirely. Therefore, the adapter carrier accordingto the invention can be mounting on top of a conventional motor vehiclebody and secured thereto without any significant work-related orstructural outlay, or even any costs of note.

Even the known and already proven installation sequences for brackets,handles, roof railing, head curtain incorporation, fenders front andback and the like can remain identical in comparison betweenconventional sheet roof and the use of an adapter carrier according tothe invention.

As a result, the present invention is the first to propose a motorvehicle body with a roof-carrying frame, upon which an adapter carrierfor holding roof windows, sliding roofs, roof opening systems and/orroof module variants is mounted and secured, and an adapter carriersuitable for installation in a motor vehicle body according to theinvention. Further, the invention specifies a correspondingmanufacturing method.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the motor vehicle body with anadapter carrier 47 secured to the roof-carrying frame 13. As opposed tothe adapter carrier 7 on the preceding figures, the adapter carrier 47depicted on FIG. 7 and the following figures is composed of fourindividual edge plates 49, 51, 53 and 55.

FIG. 8 shows a sectional view along the VIII-VIII line of the adaptercarrier 47 from FIG. 7, with bordering areas of the motor vehicle body.This sectional view corresponds to the section from FIG. 4 a of thefirst embodiment. As can be seen, the edge plate 49 of the adaptercarrier 47 is secured directly to a bearing flange 57 of the structuralelement 19 by means of a flange 63, and forms a hollow chamber 59 withthe structural element 19.

FIG. 9 shows a sectional view along the IV-IV line through the adaptercarrier 47 from FIG. 7 of the attachment of an edge plate 51 facing inthe longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle to the correspondingstructural element 35. As in the embodiment shown on FIG. 5 a, the roofwindow 33 lies on an adhesive compound 61 arranged on the adaptercarrier 47.

FIG. 10 shows a sectional view along the X-X line through the adaptercarrier 47 from FIG. 7 of the attachment of one of the edge plates 53 tothe corresponding roof structural element 39. This sectional viewcorresponds to the one on FIG. 6 a depicting the first embodiment. Theroof window 33 here also lies on the adhesive compound 761.

FIG. 11 shows a highly magnified view of the attachment of two abuttingedge plates 47, 51 of the adapter carrier 47 from FIG. 7. As can beseen, the edge plate 51 facing in the traveling direction overlaps theedge plate 49 facing transverse to the longitudinal direction of themotor vehicle.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in theforegoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vastnumber of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that theexemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and arenot intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of theinvention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description willprovide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map forimplementing an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it beingunderstood that various changes may be made in the function andarrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appendedclaims and their legal equivalents.

1. A motor vehicle body comprising: at least two pairs of columns, whichare interconnected to form a roof-carrying frame by two structuralcomponents extending in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicleas well as two structural components extending in the transversedirection of the motor vehicle, the two structural components extendingin the transverse direction including a front transverse structuralcomponent and a rear transverse structural component, and each of thetwo structural components extending in the longitudinal directioncomprising lateral skins that form a hollow space, and a lateral roofstructural element between the lateral skins and residing in the hollowspace; a single-piece adapter carrier formed from a weldable materialand welded to the roof-carrying frame and secured thereto, in order toaccommodate roof windows, sliding roofs, roof opening systems and/orroof module variants in the adapter carrier, wherein a front section ofthe adapter carrier is coupled to the front transverse structuralcomponent and resides above the front transverse structural component, arear section of the adapter carrier is coupled to the rear transversestructural component and resides above the rear transverse structuralcomponent, the front transverse structural component and the frontsection of the adapter carrier together define and border a first hollowchamber therebetween, and the rear transverse structural component andthe rear section of the adapter carrier together define and border asecond hollow chamber therebetween, and wherein a first side section ofthe adapter carrier is coupled to a first one of the two structuralcomponents extending in the longitudinal direction and resides above thelateral skins and above the lateral roof structural element of the firststructural component extending in the longitudinal direction, a secondside section of the adapter carrier is coupled to a second one of thetwo structural components extending in the longitudinal direction andresides above the lateral skins and above the lateral roof structuralelement of the second structural component extending in the longitudinaldirection, and wherein the first and second side sections of the adaptercarrier extend in the transverse direction and away from the twostructural components extending in the longitudinal direction; and aroof element coupled to and overlying the adapter carrier, wherein afront section of the roof element overlies the front transversestructural component, overlies the front section of the adapter carrier,and overlies the first hollow chamber, wherein a rear section of theroof element overlies the rear transverse structural component, overliesthe rear section of the adapter carrier, and overlies the second hollowchamber, wherein a first side section of the roof element overlies thefirst side section of the adapter carrier, and wherein a second sidesection of the roof element overlies the second side section of theadapter carrier.
 2. The motor vehicle body according to claim 1, whereinthe adapter carrier interconnects several columns.
 3. The motor vehiclebody according to claim 1, wherein the adapter carrier is essentiallydesigned as a frame structure.
 4. The motor vehicle body according toclaim 1, wherein the adapter carrier exhibits attachment devices forroof opening systems whose design makes it possible to change out therespective roof opening system for another roof opening system.
 5. Themotor vehicle body according to claim 1, wherein its central, open toparea can be sealed by incorporating and securing a sheet metal roof. 6.The motor vehicle body according to claim 1, wherein: the roof elementhas a lowermost surface; and no portion of the adapter carrier residesabove the lowermost surface of the roof element.
 7. A motor vehicle bodycomprising: a roof-carrying frame comprising: a first longitudinalstructural component extending in the longitudinal direction of themotor vehicle, and comprising first lateral skins that form a firsthollow space and a first lateral roof structural element coupled betweenthe first lateral skins and residing in the first hollow space; a secondlongitudinal structural component extending in the longitudinaldirection of the motor vehicle, and comprising lateral skins that form asecond hollow space and a second lateral roof structural element coupledbetween the second lateral skins and residing in the second hollowspace; a front transverse structural component extending in thetransverse direction of the motor vehicle; a rear transverse structuralcomponent extending in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle; asingle-piece adapter carrier formed from a weldable material and weldedto the roof-carrying frame, in order to accommodate roof windows,sliding roofs, roof opening systems and/or roof module variants in theadapter carrier, the adapter carrier comprising: a first side sectioncoupled to the first longitudinal structural component, the first sidesection residing above the first lateral skins and above the firstlateral roof structural element, and the first side section extendingaway from the first longitudinal structural component in the transversedirection of the motor vehicle; a second side section coupled to thesecond longitudinal structural component, the second side sectionresiding above the second lateral skins and above the second lateralroof structural element, and the second side section extending away fromthe second longitudinal structural component in the transverse directionof the motor vehicle; a front section coupled to the front transversestructural component, the front section residing above the fronttransverse structural component, wherein the front section and the fronttransverse structural component together define and border a firsthollow chamber therebetween; a rear section coupled to the reartransverse structural component, the rear section residing above therear transverse structural component, wherein the rear section and therear transverse structural component together define and border a secondhollow chamber therebetween; and a roof element coupled to and overlyingthe adapter carrier, the roof element comprising: a lowermost surface,wherein no portion of the adapter carrier resides above the lowermostsurface of the roof element; a first side portion overlying the firstside section of the adapter carrier, wherein no portion of the firstside portion resides above the first longitudinal structural componentof the roof-carrying frame; a second side portion overlying the secondside section of the adapter carrier, wherein no portion of the secondside portion resides above the second longitudinal structural componentof the roof-carrying frame; a front portion overlying the fronttransverse structural component, overlying the front section of theadapter carrier, and overlying the first hollow chamber; and a rearportion overlying the rear transverse structural component, overlyingthe rear section of the adapter carrier, and overlying the second hollowchamber.